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About the course

Brentside High School is a popular and oversubscribed secondary school with a sixth form. We have 1400 students, serving an ethnically diverse community. Approximately 60 languages are spoken by the students at Brentside; we are proud of our inclusive community where students and staff learn and achieve together.

Our vision is that Brentside High School challenges everyone to achieve excellence as lifelong learners no exceptions, no excuses and this permeates everything we do. In 2014 we were recognised by the Minister of State for Schools as one of the top 56 performing schools in England. Value added scores are consistently high and progress measures in English, mathematics, the EBacc and best 8 GCSEs are well above national averages. Students 'are extremely complimentary about their school and the staff who work with them. They want to do well, regularly attend and work hard.' (Ofsted 2016)

The School Direct Computing programme at Brentisde High School begins in September 2019. Upon successful completion of the training programme in summer 2020, you will gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, as well as Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

All schools in ETSA are highly supportive and inspirational environments where you will develop the necessary skills and acquire a true appreciation of the practice essential for outstanding teaching and learning. You will learn your craft in a safe environment which allows you to experiment with teaching styles, strategies and ideas.

Your training will be delivered by expert teachers within the school. You will participate in weekly professional development sessions which will cover a wide range of topics and school policies which will be of use to you in your subject area and in the school as a whole. You will also attend Alliance-wide Golden Day training events along with fellow ETSA trainees. Your school-led training will be complemented by attendance at Hillingdon SCITT.

You will be assigned an experienced mentor from within your subject area at Brentside High School who will support you in your development over the course of what will be a challenging and rewarding year. All mentors are excellent teachers who are well-trained in mentoring, coaching, lesson observations and feedback skills. You will also work closely with a member of the Senior Leadership team who will oversee a great deal of your training and will provide an invaluable perspective on your role as a teacher and the wider issues of education leadership.

Interview process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview at school and to take part in some or all of the following activities: a presentation; a written task; small group teaching; curriculum discussion and an interview. You will be told in advance if you are required to prepare a presentation or to teach. Hillingdon SCITT will also attend the interview at school, where possible, and be part of the selection panel.

It is a rigorous and thorough process designed to ensure successful applicants are well placed to succeed.

Please note that we recruit on a rolling basis and usually offer only one position per subject area (unless otherwise stated). We suggest that you apply early as popular subjects are filled quickly.

How school placements work

As well as your main training placement at Brentside High School, you will complete a six-week placement in a contrasting context within ETSA; this will afford you the opportunity to experience working with different students, within different structures and with a wider range of colleagues.

Fees

The course fees for 2019/2020 are as follows:

Student type

Fees to pay

UK students

£9,000

EU students

£9,000

Financial support

You could be eligible for either:

a scholarship of £28,000

a bursary of £26,000

To qualify for a scholarship you’ll need a degree of 2:1 or above in Computing or a related subject. For a bursary you’ll need a 2:2 or above in any subject.

You can’t claim both a bursary and a scholarship - you can only claim one.

Requirements

Qualifications

Before the start date of the training programme you must hold a UK degree (or equivalent). You should preferably have a 1st or a 2:1 in a relevant subject area. It is also preferable that you have at least 3 Bs at A level (or equivalent). All applicants must have at least a C in GCSE English, Maths and Science at the time of application.

Other requirements

School experience is also essential if you are interested in applying for School Direct at ETSA. We prefer that candidates have up to 10 days of recent experience in a UK school. If you have arranged some classroom experience but it is yet to take place, please make a note of this in your application.